Pest control, compositions, and methods and products utilizing same

ABSTRACT

Pest-combating compositions containing modified volatility pest-control actives are formulated for sustained test-combating efficacy, utilizing oleochemicals subjected to transesterification, methanolysis or conversion of fatty acids to alkyl esters as modified volatility components. In a specific formulation, the pest-combating composition includes soy methyl ester and 2-undecanone. The composition may be constituted as a spray composition, lotion, paste, or other compositional form. Pests that may be usefully combated with such composition include mosquitoes, ticks, cockroaches, thrips, flies, gnats, beetles and aphids.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The priority and benefit of the following U.S. patent applications areclaimed: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/635,840 filed Dec.14, 2004 in the name of Allen L. Jones, Jr. for “INCREASINGEFFECTIVENESS OF INSECT REPELLENT AND PEST CONTROL ACTIVES BY VOLATILITYMODIFICATION;” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/117,271 filedApr. 28, 2005 in the name of Allen L. Jones, Jr. for “PEST-COMBATINGCOMPOSITIONS COMPRISING SOY METHYL ESTER.” The disclosures of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/635,840 and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/117,271 are hereby incorporated herein in theirrespective entireties, for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to compositions having utility forcontrolling pests, and to methods and products for making and utilizingsuch compositions. In specific embodiments, the compositions of theinvention include pest repellents, pesticides and pest attractantcompositions, for control of pests, including, without limitation,mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods and insect species. Theinvention also contemplates volatility modification of activeingredients for use in pest control formulations.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In the field of pest control, much effort has been given to thedevelopment of compositions that are “environmentally friendly.”Accordingly, there has been a great interest in compositions that arereadily biodegradable or otherwise compatible with human and animal useas formulations having little or no toxicity, as insecticides andpesticides, insect and pest repellents, and attractant compositions usedfor pest control.

Pest species include mosquitoes, ticks, flies and other insect speciesthat are vectors of human disease-causing agents. Mosquitoes and ticksare of primary interest as disease carriers. Mosquitoes and ticks, forexample, carry Lyme disease, encephalitis, and other diseases.Mosquitoes and ticks transmit the widest variety of pathogens out of allbloodsucking arthropods. As a result, there has been great interest indeveloping an insect repellent that is efficacious for control ofmosquitoes and ticks, and which is more effective than repellents basedon N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET).

Although there has been increasing use of various natural ingredients inpest-combating compositions, such natural ingredients typically areutilized in the form of isolates or purified species, rather than beingchemically processed to other ingredient forms. This self-imposedlimitation on the formulation of so-called “green” products has in manycases limited the chemical efficacy of the compositions for theirintended pest-combating usage.

It has been known that insect repellent active ingredients (“actives”)may be found in the form of fatty acids commonly found in vegetable,animal and petroleum oils (such as soy, coconut, castor, rapeseed,canola, paraffin), specifically within the form of the oleochemicalsfamily (i.e., fatty acid, fatty alcohol, and fatty acid methyl esters).These actives may be either naturally or synthetically derived. However,the effectiveness of such actives is commonly a function of theirvolatility.

In consequence, the art continues to seek improvements in naturalproduct formulations for combating insects and other pests.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pest-combating compositions containingas an active ingredient, soy methyl ester.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a composition including2-undecanone.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a DEET-free pest-combatingcomposition including soy methyl ester, e.g., wherein the soy methylester is employed as an active ingredient, or as a synergist or adjuvantto enhance the efficacy of an active such as undecanone or other activeingredient.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a composition of aforegoing type, formulated as a spray, lotion or sunblock composition.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an article or region, towhich has been applied a pest-combating composition comprising soymethyl ester.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a packaged insect repellent,comprising a container holding an insect repellent composition includingsoy methyl ester.

A still further aspect of the invention relates to a method of combatingpests, at a locus containing or susceptible to the presence of same,such method including applying to at least a portion of such locus apest repellent composition including soy methyl ester.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to modification of volatilityof insect repellent actives by transesterification or methanolysis, orconversion of the fatty acids to alkyl esters. When such processes areapplied to fatty acid actives according to the present invention, thevolatility of the active is enhanced, resulting in an increasedeffectiveness of the insect repellency or pest control character of theactive. Alternatively, the modified fatty acid active may be added toactives to enhance the volatility or other performance characteristicsof such actives.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of increasingeffectiveness of a pest control active by volatility modification,comprising:

-   -   supplying a fatty acid;    -   subjecting said fatty acid to transesterification, methanolysis,        or conversion to an alkyl ester to form an active with modified        volatility; and    -   forming a pest control composition with said active with        modified volatility.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a pest-combating composition,comprising an active selected from the group consisting oftransesterified or methanolyzed oleochemicals having pest controlcharacter.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a pest-combatingcomposition comprising an active selected from the group consisting offatty acid alkyl esters having pest control character.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a pest-combatingcomposition comprising an active selected from the group consisting offatty acids, fatty alcohols and fatty acid methyl esters having pestcontrol character, wherein said fatty acids have been subjected totransesterification, said fatty alcohols have been subjected tomethanolysis, and said fatty acid methyl esters have been subjected toconversion from fatty acids.

A still further aspect of the invention relates to a method of modifyingan active for use in a pest control composition, wherein said active isselected from the group consisting of fatty acids, fatty alcohols andfatty acid alkyl esters, said method comprising subjecting said activeto transesterification, methanolysis, or conversion of fatty acids toalkyl esters, sufficient to produce an active of modified volatility inrelation to volatility of said active prior to said transesterification,methanolysis or conversion of fatty acids to alkyl esters.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of modifying thevolatility of a pest control composition to produce an increasedduration of evaporation of an active thereof, comprising adding to saidpest control composition a volatility-modifying amount of an additiveselected from the group consisting of fatty acids, fatty alcohols andfatty acid methyl esters having pest control character, wherein saidfatty acids have been subjected to transesterification, said fattyalcohols have been subjected to methanolysis, and said fatty acid methylesters have been subjected to conversion from fatty acids.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a pest-combatingcomposition, comprising soy methyl ester, e.g., in an emulsified form.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an article or region, towhich has been applied a pest-combating composition comprising soymethyl ester.

The invention relates in another aspect to a packaged insect repellent,comprising a container holding an insect repellent composition includingsoy methyl ester.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of combatingpests, at a locus containing or susceptible to the presence of same,said method comprising applying to at least a portion of said locus apest repellent composition including soy methyl ester.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a pest-control composition,comprising soy methyl ester and undecanone.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a pest-control system forcontrol of pests selected from group consisting of mosquitoes, ticks,cockroaches, thrips, flies, gnats, beetles and aphids, comprising one ormore spray heads and a supply of a pest-control composition comprisingat least one of soy methyl ester and undecanone, wherein said supply iscoupled in pest-control composition supply relationship to said one ormore spray heads.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an apparel article,incorporating therein a pest-control composition as herein described.

A still further aspect of the invention relates to a packaged pestrepellent, comprising an aerosol dispensing container containing apest-control composition comprising undecanone.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a packaged pest repellent,comprising an aerosol dispensing container containing a pest-controlcomposition comprising an oleochemical that has been subjected totransesterification, methanolysis or conversion of the fatty acids toalkyl esters.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an article havingpest-control character, said article incorporating a pest-controlcomposition comprising at least one of soy methyl ester and undecanone.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a pest-controlcomposition comprising at least one of soy methyl ester and undecanone,and a further active.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a pest-control compositioncomprising at least one of soy methyl ester and undecanone, whereinundecanone when present is in an amount of 8 to 30 weight percent, basedon the total weight of the composition.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a pest-control composition,comprising soy methyl ester, undecanone and citronella.

Other aspects, features and embodiments of the invention will be morefully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevation view, in partial section, of a building equippedwith a misting system adapted to mist the exterior environment inproximity to the building with a pest control composition of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is an aerosol package for spraying or fogging a pest controlcomposition of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portable fogger suitable foruse in dispensing pest control compositions of the present invention.

FIGS. 4 (untreated control) and 5 (Composition D in the form of a 20 μLspray) show the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith deer ticks. (Test date: Oct. 12, 2005; 9:18 AM).

FIGS. 6 (untreated control) and 7 (Composition D in the form of a 20 μLspray) show the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith deer ticks (Test date: Oct. 13, 2005; 8:49 AM).

FIGS. 8 (untreated control) and 9 (Composition D in the form of a 20 μLspray) show the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith deer ticks (Test date: Oct. 13, 2005; 2:25 PM).

FIG. 10 shows the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith American dog ticks to assess the repellency of Composition E in theform of a 20 μL spray (Test date: May 2, 2005).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

The disclosures of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/635,840filed Dec. 14, 2004 in the name of Allen L. Jones, Jr. for “Increasingthe Effectiveness of Insect Repellent and Pest Control Actives byVolatility Modification,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/117,271 filed Apr. 28, 2005 in the name of Allen L. Jones, Jr. for“Pest-Combating Compositions Comprising Soy Methyl Ester” are herebyincorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.

The present invention in one aspect contemplates that fatty acidcompounds suitable for pest control actives, such as insect repellentactives, are modified by transesterification or methanolysis of theoleochemical or conversion of the fatty acids to alkyl esters. Theresulting materials can then be used directly as pest control actives,e.g., insect repellent actives, and/or be combined with active(s) as asynergist or adjuvant for modification of the performancecharacteristics of the pest control composition.

The process of transesterification or methanolysis is outlined in apaper entitled “Transesterification of Vegetable Oils: a Review,” J.Braz. Chem. Soc., Vol. 9, No. 1, 199-210, 1998. In addition, thisprocess is being used within the so-called “biodiesel” industry(http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/Production.PDF, thedisclosure of which hereby is incorporated herein by reference).Processing of a vegetable oil by transesterification is described in“Transesterification Process to Manufacture Ethyl Ester of Rape Oil,”Roger A. Korus, Dwight S. Hoffman, Narendra Bam, Charles L. Peterson,and David C. Drown, Department of Chemical Engineering, University ofIdaho, Moscow, Id. 83843. Methanolysis of diethyl acetal is described inAppendix 4 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/635,840 filedDec. 14, 2004 in the name of Allen L. Jones, Jr. for “Increasing theEffectiveness of Insect Repellent and Pest Control Actives by VolatilityModification,” the disclosure of which hereby is incorporated herein byreference. Also noted in this respect are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,525,126;5,578,090; 5,713,965; 6,174,501; 6,398,707; 6,399,800; 5,389,113;5,424,467; 6,015,440; 6,203,585; and 6,235,104, the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference. None of the aforementioned patentsor documents suggest using such processes on insect repellent activesand/or formulating an insect repellent or other pest control compositionusing actives modified by the described process(es), and it is adiscovery of the present inventor that such processes can be usefullyemployed to achieve superior test control compositions.

By enhancing the volatile nature of actives, the pest control character,e.g., insect repellency, cidal character, attractive character, or otherproperty, of the actives can be controlled to achieve an optimizedresult.

As an optional use, the volatility of other types of insect repellent,insecticide, and pest control actives (such as those based on acetals,ketones, fatty acids, or derived from soybean, rapeseed, coconut,citronella, rue, eucalyptus, pyrethrum and chrysanthemum) can be furtherenhanced or controlled by adding the chemical substance of said method.

Further, adding a short to medium chain fatty oil, such as coconut, canstabilize the composition so that the volatility is controlled overtime, resulting in an increased and optimized duration of theevaporation of the active.

The process of the present invention increases the effectiveness of theactive by directly processing the active according to said method oradding an amount of the chemical substance of said method to otherinsect repellent actives. The resulting materials and/or compounds arethen formulated into a pest control composition, e.g., an insectrepellent, insecticide, insect attractant, etc., in a conventionalfashion.

The invention therefore contemplates in one aspect a method ofincreasing effectiveness of a pest control active by volatilitymodification, in which a fatty acid is supplied and subjected totransesterification or methanolysis of the oleochemical or conversion ofthe fatty acid to an alkyl ester to form an active with modifiedvolatility, and the resulting active is used to form a pest controlcomposition with modified volatility.

Pest control compositions of the invention can variously include pestrepellents, pesticides, pest attractants, etc., as may be useful forpest control in a given application. For example, the pest controlcomposition can be employed to control the pest such as mosquitoes,ticks, cockroaches, thrips, flies (e.g., house flies, black flies, deerflies, fruit flies, horse flies, horn flies, stable flies, etc.), gnats,aphids, beetles (Coleoptera, e.g., Japanese beetles) and the like. Inone preferred embodiment of the invention, the pest control compositionis formulated and utilized to control insect pests.

The formulation of the pest control composition can include combiningthe active produced in accordance with the invention with a suitablecarrier or vehicular formulation appropriate to the end-useadministration of the pest control composition. For example, the pestcontrol composition may be formulated with appropriate ingredients toprovide a desired form of the composition, including, withoutlimitation, lotions, oils, creams, gels, spray formulations, etc.

Fatty acids that can be utilized for pest control compositions of theinvention include fatty acids such as those derived from vegetable,animal and petroleum oils.

In one embodiment, the fatty acid includes a fatty acid selected fromamong soy, coconut, castor, rapeseed, canola and paraffin fatty acids.

Pest-combating compositions according to the invention can be formulatedwith modified volatility appropriate to provide a desired duration ofpest-combating activity, by subjecting a fatty acid totransesterification or alcoholysis (preferably methanolysis), orconversion to a corresponding alkyl ester, to provide a pest-combatingactive that is of appropriate volatility for the intended application,or which can be blended with active(s) to provide a synergistic effect,and enhanced duration of the pest-combating action, relative to theactive(s) alone.

In one embodiment, the pest-combating composition includes an activeselected from among transesterified and methanolyzed oleochemicalshaving pest control character. In another embodiment, the pest-combatingcomposition includes an active selected from the group consisting offatty acid alkyl esters having pest control character, e.g., fatty acidalkyl esters comprising fatty acid methyl esters.

The pest-control composition in another aspect includes an activeselected from the group consisting of fatty acids, fatty alcohols andfatty acid methyl esters having pest control character, wherein suchfatty acids have been subjected to transesterification, methanolysis,and/or conversion to fatty acid methyl esters.

In a corresponding method for modifying an active for use in a pestcontrol composition, in which the active is selected from the groupconsisting of fatty acids, fatty alcohols and fatty acid alkyl esters,the method includes subjecting the active to transesterification,methanolysis, or conversion of fatty acids to alkyl esters, sufficientto produce an active of modified volatility in relation to volatility ofthe active prior to such transesterification, methanolysis or conversionof fatty acids to alkyl esters.

In a further aspect, the method of modifying volatility is employed tomodify the volatility of a pest control composition to produce anincreased duration of evaporation of an active of the composition, byadding to the pest control composition a volatility-modifying amount ofan additive selected from the group consisting of fatty acids, fattyalcohols and fatty acid methyl esters having pest control character,wherein such fatty acids have been subjected to transesterification,methanolysis, and/or conversion to fatty acid alkyl esters. The additivein such method may for example include a fatty oil such as coconut oil,or other suitable modifying additive, to produce the desired volatilitycharacter of the pest control composition.

The pest-control compositions of the invention may be in any suitableform, such as for example oil-in-water emulsions, or other emulsifiedforms, or in water-based formulations or in silicone or alcohol or otherformulations in which the pest-control active is encapsulated in lipidvesicles or other time-release or sustained action forms, or in anyother suitable carrier or vehicle formulations appropriate to theend-use of the pest control composition.

The pest-control composition may additionally contain any suitableadditional ingredients, including further actives, as well as inertingredients. For example, the composition may contain one or moreadditional ingredients such as fillers, dispersants, water, non-aqueoussolvent media, surfactants, suspension agents, sticking agents,stabilizers, preservatives, dyes, pigments, masking agents, emollients,excipients, and post-application detection agents.

The pest-control composition may be packaged in any suitable containeror source structure affording a desired supply of the composition forits intended purpose. For example, the pest-control composition may bepackaged in an aerosol container, as a fogger or spray unit, forfogging, misting or spraying of the pest-control composition to adesired locus of use. The pest-control composition alternatively can bepackaged in a container equipped with a hand pump dispenser unit orother applicator, administration or dispensing elements.

Pest-control compositions of the present invention may containundecanone as an active ingredient, in combination with, or in lieu of,other actives. In one embodiment, the pest-control composition containssoy methyl ester and/or undecanone.

The compositions of the invention are preferably free of DEET andpyrethrum as well as pyrethroids generally.

The compositions of the invention may be administered to combat pests,at a locus containing or susceptible to the presence of same, byapplying to at least a portion of said locus a pest-combatingcomposition, by any suitable administration technique, device orapplicator, such as a fogging system, volumizer, nebulizer, aerosolizer,disperser, drip application system, etc. In one embodiment, a pestcontrol system, e.g., for control of pests such as mosquitoes, ticks,cockroaches, thrips, deer fly, gnats, beetles and aphids, is provided asincluding one or more spray heads and a source of a pest-controlcomposition of the invention, e.g., comprising at least one of soymethyl ester and undecanone, wherein such source is coupled inpest-control composition supply relationship to the aforementioned oneor more spray heads.

The pest-control system in one embodiment is adapted for mounting of thespray heads to portions of a building.

The invention further contemplates articles incorporating thepest-control compositions of the invention. Such articles may be of anysuitable type that have present or potential benefit from having apest-controlling character imparted thereto, and include, withoutlimitation, apparel articles, industrial equipment, recreationalequipment, vehicles, building structures and assemblies and componentsthereof, food articles and packaging, communications equipment anddevices, packaging per se, computational devices, lighting products,books and other articles and media including paper or other cellulosicor materials susceptible to adverse effect from pests.

By way of example, apparel articles may incorporate the pest-combatingcompositions of the invention, in any suitable manner, including, forexample, compositions applied as surface coatings, impregnatedformulations, etc. In one embodiment, the pest-combating composition isapplied for the treatment of the apparel articles in a formulationincluding a silicone carrier medium, e.g., containing cyclomethacone,and the apparel article in connection with such treatment can beplasma-treated to enhance the affiliation or loading of the formulationor pest-controlling active thereof on or in the apparel article.Cyclomethacone is a preferred thermal protectant when the pest-controlcomposition is applied to an article, location or organism involvingelevated temperature treatment.

In a specific embodiment, the apparel article incorporating thepest-control composition may include a fabric formed from natural orsynthetic fibers, such as cotton or nylon.

The pest-controlling compositions of the invention as packaged caninclude an oleochemical that has been subjected to transesterification,methanolysis or conversion of the fatty acids to alkyl esters. Thepackage may include and aerosol dispensing container, or other reservoiror vessel, coupled or provided with applicator or dispensing members, asappropriate to the specific end-user application involved. Thecomposition may include at least one of soy methyl ester and undecanoneand other actives, e.g., citronella, p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD) and/orpicaridin (also called Bayrepel; see www.picaridin.com).

In a specific pest control composition, comprising undecanone, theundecanone is present in an amount of 8 to 30 weight percent, based onthe total weight of the composition.

In another aspect, the present invention is based on the discovery thatsoy methyl esters are unexpectedly and highly effective aspest-combating active ingredients in the pest control formulations. Asused herein, the term “soy methyl ester” refers to methyl ester(s) offatty acids or oleochemicals of soybean oil, and sometimes is referredto as soybean oil methyl ester or as soybean methyl ester. Soy methylesters are readily produced by subjecting fatty acids and oleochemicalsof soybean oil to transesterification chemical reaction, e.g., abase-catalyzed transesterification of soybean oil. Soy methyl esters ofwidely varying types are usefully employed in the practice of theinvention. One particularly preferred soy methyl ester comprises amixture of C₁₆-C₁₈ saturated and C₁₈ unsaturated methyl esters,identified by Chemical Abstracts Registry Number (CAS#) 67762-38-3.

Soy methyl esters usefully employed in compositions of the presentinvention are readily commercially available, e.g., under the brand name“Enviro-Saver” from Columbus Foods Company (Chicago, Ill.), under thebrand name “Ecoline Soya Methyl Esters” from Cortec Corporation (St.Paul, Minn.), and otherwise as fatty acid methyl ester from CargillIndustrial Oils & Lubricants (Minneapolis, Minn.), as methyl soyate fromCognis Corporation (Cincinnati, Ohio), and as soy methyl esters fromVertec BioSolvents, Inc. (Downers Grove, Ill.), Lambent TechnologiesCorporation (Gurnee, Ill.), soy-based fatty acid esters from ChemolCompany, Inc. (Greensboro, N.C.), SoyGold 1000 from Ag EnvironmentalProducts (Omaha, Nebr.), and Steposol SB-D and Stepasol SB-W soy methylesters from Stepan Company (Northfield, Ill.).

In formulating the soy methyl ester in useful formulations for combatingpests such as mosquitoes and ticks, the soy methyl ester isadvantageously formulated as an emulsified base to which are addedcarrier, adjuvant and other ingredients of the composition. For example,the additional ingredients may include fillers, dispersants, water orother solvent medium or media, surfactants, suspension agents, stickingagents, stabilizers, preservatives, dyes, pigments, masking agents,emollients, excipients, post-application detection agents, andadditional active ingredients. Such additional active ingredients mayinclude, for example, additional pest-combating ingredients, such asrepellents or cidal agents. By way of example, the soy methyl esteremulsion may be formulated with an insect repellent ingredient such as2-undecanone. As another example, the soy methyl ester emulsion may beformulated with a sunscreen formulation.

A particularly advantageous composition in accordance with the presentinvention includes soy methyl ester in combination with 2-undecanone.Such composition has been found to provide superior repellency againstmosquitoes and ticks. Due to the volatility of 2-undecanone, it isdesirable to formulate the composition containing such ingredient with asticking agent, so that the 2-undecanone in the composition persists atthe point of application, to extend the duration of active repellency ofthe composition. Compositions containing 2-undecanone, in addition tomosquitoes and ticks, exhibit repellency against cockroaches, thrips,deer fly, gnats, aphids, and the like.

Compositions in accordance with the present invention may be formulatedin any suitable manner appropriate to the ingredients involved. The soymethyl ester preferably is utilized as an emulsified base for thecomposition.

The soy methyl ester can be used at any suitable concentration in thecompositions of the invention. Preferably, the soy methyl ester has aconcentration in the composition of from about 2% to about 15% byweight, based on the total weight of the composition. More preferably,the soy methyl ester has a composition concentration in a range of fromabout 2.4% to about 12% by weight, based on total weight of thecomposition. Most preferably, the soy methyl ester has a concentrationin the composition in a range of from about 3 to about 10% by weight,based on total weight of the composition.

In one embodiment of the invention, the composition is formulated as aspray composition for administration to the skin of a user. Suchcomposition may contain 2% by weight of soy methyl ester, in a carrierbase including, as inert ingredients, purified water, coconut oil,glycerin, geranium oil, citric acid, lecithin, sodium bicarbonate andvanillin.

In another embodiment of the invention, the composition is formulated asa lotion composition for administration to the skin of user. Suchcomposition may also contain, as inert ingredients, purified water,coconut oil, glycerin, geranium oil, citric acid, lecithin, sodiumbicarbonate and vanillin.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the composition isformulated as a spray composition for administration to skin or fur ofpets. Such composition may contain 2% by weight of soy methyl ester,purified water, coconut oil, glycerin, geranium oil, castor oil,lecithin and vanillin.

Other compositions of the invention may be formulated as sunblockcompositions, containing, in addition to soy methyl ester, zinc oxide,titanium dioxide, and/or small amounts of other sunscreen agents, aswell as ingredients such as coconut oil, purified water, glycerin,geranium oil, citric acid, lecithin, sodium bicarbonate, and vanillin.

In addition to compositions of the invention that are formulated forapplication to body surfaces of users, compositions may be formulatedfor application or administration to any locus in which it is desired torepel pests against which the compositions of the invention arerepellently effective. Such loci may contain or include apparel,furniture, personal accessories, plastic products, cloth products,camping equipment, automotive and vehicular interiors, and the like. Forindoor or outdoor usage, the compositions of the invention may beformulated for broadcasting by misting systems or other distributionequipment.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an elevation view, in partialsection, of a building 15 equipped with a misting system 10 adapted tomist the exterior environment in proximity to the building with a pestcontrol composition of the invention.

As illustrated, the misting system 10 includes a supply container 12holding a quantity of a pest control composition 14 according to thepresent invention. The supply container is disposed in an interior space17 of the building, and may be of any suitable size, such as for examplea 55 gallon drum containing the pest control composition.

The container 12 is equipped with a dip tube 16 joined by supply conduit18 to the pump and electronic control module 20, which is coupled to apest control composition feed tube 22. The feed tube 22 in turn isjoined to the mister head 28, which includes mister nozzle 30. Themister head 28 is mounted on the building 15, by means of a bracket 26or other mounting element or structure, so that the mister nozzle 30 isoriented properly for misting an area exterior of the building and inproximity thereto, for control of pests, e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, etc.,in the immediate environment of the building.

The pump and electronic control module 20 may be suitably powered byconnection to a 110 V electrical service of the building 15, by means ofa power cord or other connector (not shown in FIG. 1). The pump andelectronic control module 20 incorporates a pump that is effective todeliver pest control composition 14 from the container 12 through thedip tube 16, supply conduit 11 and feed tube 22 to the mister head 28for generation of a mist 32 of the pest control composition that isdispersed to the local environment of the building 15.

The pump and electronic control module 20 can include a digital controlunit or other processor or controller elements or assembly, to actuatethe pump in the module when the module is powered and operating. Thedigital control unit in the module can be programmably arranged, toprovide misting action according to a predetermined cycle time program.For example, the misting system can be programmably arranged to mistautomatically to four times a day at dawn and dusk, for 20-60 secondseach time.

Additionally, or alternatively, the misting system can be arranged witha remote controller or connection to a wired or wireless network, forselective actuation by a building owner or operational attendant, inaddition to or in lieu of a predetermined cycle time program ofautomatic misting operation.

As a further embodiment, the misting system can be operatively coupledto a pest-sensing system (not shown in FIG. 1), so that the mistingsystem is actuated for dispensing of the pest control composition, inresponse to detection of pests or a predetermined magnitude of pestinfestation by the pest-sensing system.

For example, the pest-sensing system can comprise a bag or othercollection container with which is associated a pest attractant, whereinthe weight of the collection container is sensed to determine weightgain attributable to collected pests, whereby weight increase of apredetermined magnitude actuates the pump electronic control module 22initiate misting operation by the misting system. The pest-sensingsystem can for example be adapted for sensing of mosquito infestation,utilizing carbon dioxide as an attractant to mosquitoes, so that theyare collected in a bag to which is operatively coupled a weight sensor,so that a predetermined weight gain of the bag is employed to generate acontrol signal to the pump electronic control module 22.

FIG. 2 is an aerosol package 50 for spraying or fogging a pest controlcomposition of the invention. The aerosol package 50 includes acontainer 52 holding a pest control composition 56 according to theinvention. Container 52 includes an upper head portion 60 which mayinclude a cylindrical boss structure of conventional type, by which anaerosol delivery tube 54 is interconnected with a dispensing tube 62joined in turn to manually actuatable nozzle 64. The pest controlcomposition 56 in the container 52 is suitably mixed with aerosolizingpropellant. The aerosol package includes a 66 that is matably engageablewith the head portion 60 of the container 52, so that the manuallyactuatable nozzle 64 is not accidentally actuated.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portable fogger 80 suitablefor use in dispensing pest control compositions of the presentinvention.

The portable fogger 80 includes a reservoir 82 adapted to contain apredetermined quantity of a pest control composition of the presentinvention. The reservoir 82 is joined in liquid feed relationship to ahead assembly 83, by means of liquid feed conduit 88, extendingdownwardly at one end into the reservoir interior volume, and serving todeliver liquid pest control composition into the head assembly 83 foraerosolization of the liquid therein to generate a fog or mist ofdesired character. Such fog our list is dispensed from the head assemblyby discharge through the distal louvered dispensing plate element 90mounted on the head assembly housing.

The head assembly can be constructed to include a pump and aspiratorapparatus inside the housing, which serves to draw liquid from thereservoir 82, and subject same to entrainment by an airstream flowedthrough the housing by operation of a blower or fan that is internallydisposed in the housing of the head assembly. The airflow rate andcharacter of fog or mist generation is selectively adjustable by meansof manually adjustable knob 92.

The head assembly 83 is connected with the reservoir 82, by means of thestrap handle connector 84, to form a manually portable fogger assembly.The portable fogger 80 of FIG. 3 may be powered by attachment of theplug at the end of power cord 86 to a suitable 110 V power circuit orother power supply.

A portable fogging device of the type shown in FIG. 3 can also bedrum-mounted on a drum containing a supply of the pest-controlcomposition, so as to fog a localized area.

A portable fogging device of such type has been employed in connectionwith pest-control compositions formulated with soy methyl ester andundecanone, and demonstrated to repel mosquitoes, ticks and beetles suchas Japanese beetles.

Portable fogging devices of the above-described type are commerciallyavailable, e.g., the Fogmaster Micro Jet ULV Fogger 7401 adapted toproduce particle size in a range of from 7 μm diameter to 30 μmdiameter, and to cover 2-4000 ft.³ per minute, with a 10-turn precisionneedle valve to control liquid output and droplet size, accommodatingliquid flow rate of 0-300 mL per minute, when processing water-based oroil-based solutions. The tank capacity of such product is 4 L and itsweight is 6 kg.

The advantages and features of the invention are further illustratedwith reference to the following examples, which are not to be construedas in any way limiting the scope of the invention but rather asillustrative of embodiments of the invention in specific applicationsthereof.

Example 1

In this example, various compositions were formulated for comparativetesting. The test compositions included: a 1.6% soybean methyl esteremulsion formulated with a commercial sunscreen (Composition A); a 2.4%soybean methyl ester emulsion formulated with a commercial tropical oil(Composition B); a 2.4% soybean methyl ester emulsion formulated with acommercial sunscreen formulation providing an SPF factor of 20(Composition C); a 4% soybean methyl ester emulsion formulated with 8%undecanone, in a water-based composition (Composition D); and an 8%soybean methyl ester emulsion formulated with 30% undecanone(Composition E). All concentrations are by weight, based on the totalweight of the composition. The various compositions A-E were tested formosquito repellency see as well as tick repellency.

The results are set out in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Composition A Composition B Composition C Composition DComposition E 1.6% Soybean 2.4% Soybean 2.4% Soybean 4% Soybean 8%Soybean Methyl Ester Methyl Ester Methyl Ester Methyl Ester Methyl Esteremulsion with 30% emulsion emulsion emulsion with SPF emulsion with 8%Undecanone 20 Undecanone Mosquito: <2 hr Mosquito: >4 hr Mosquito: >4.5hr Mosquito: >4.5 hr Mosquito: equivalent to 30% DEET Ticks: Not testedTicks: <10 min Ticks: Not Tested Ticks: >2 hours Ticks: >2 hours

The data in Table 1 show that the compositions containing 2.4% andhigher concentrations of soy methyl ester demonstrated superior mosquitorepellency, and that compositions containing at least 4% soy methylester in combination with 2-undecanone demonstrated superior tickrepellency, with Composition E yielding performance generally equivalentto that of a permethrin formulation and to a 30% DEET formulation.

Example 2

In this comparative test, a composition containing 8% soy methyl esteremulsion with 30% undecanone, the same composition as tested in Example1 (Composition E), was evaluated for tick repellency, against anuntreated control. A 0.5% permethrin composition also was assessed fortick repellency, against an untreated control.

All tests were carried out on paper media, to which native ticks(American dog ticks) were introduced.

The test arena was a 10 cm diameter plastic petri plate (78.5 cm² bottomsurface area). The inside bottom surface was covered with two halfcircles of white copy paper, separated by a 3 mm void at the centerline.An amount of 537 μL of Composition E sample was applied to the left halfof the arena. Ticks, which were unfed males/females of the American dogtick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena less than fiveminutes after treatment with Composition E. The assay was conducted in adimly lit room, at room temperature. One tick on the treated side wasjudged to be intoxicated at the two-hour reading.

The results of the test are shown in Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Time Treated (L) Untreated (R) Immediate 2 3 30 min 1 4 45 2 360 3 2 1 h:30 min 1 4 2 h:00 min 1 4

As shown by the foregoing data, the number of ticks on the treated halfcircle generally remained smaller than the number of ticks on theuntreated half circle, throughout the period of the test. Further, thedata show that Composition E maintained its tick repellent characterover the two-hour period of the test.

Example 3

A corresponding test to that of Example 2 was carried out for a 0.5%permethrin composition. It appeared that the ticks were dead at the 60minute and 2 hour readings. The test data are shown in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Time Treated (L) Untreated (R) Immediate 3 2 30 min 4 1 45 4 160 4 1 1 h:30 min 3 2 2 h:00 min 3 2

Comparison of the data in Table 2 and Table 3 showed that Composition Ewas more effective than the 0.5% permethrin composition throughout thetime-frame of the respective tests.

Example 4

In this test, the tick repellency of a composition containing 2.4%soybean methyl ester emulsion, Composition B of Example 1, and thecomposition containing 4% soybean methyl ester emulsion with 8%undecanone, Composition D of Example 1, were assessed.

In the test of Composition B, as evaluated against an untreated control,the test arena was 4 cm in diameter (12.56 cm²) on the back of the lefthand of the human male subject. As a control, the left and right halvesof the arena were untreated.

To evaluate Composition B, 100 μL of such repellent were applied to theright half of the arena. Ticks, unfed males of the American dog tick,Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena three minutes aftertreatment with Composition B.

The times listed in Table 4 below represent minutes after theapplication of ticks.

The test apparatus was a petri plate top with the opening covered withaluminum screening.

The assay was conducted in light, at room temperature, with the controlbeing conducted first.

The data generated in this evaluation are set out in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Control Composition B Time L R Untreated (L) Treated (R)  1 min3 2 5 0 ticks  2 3 2 3 2  3 4 1 5 0  4 0 5 5 0  5 0 5 2 3  6 4 1 4 1  73 2 3 2  8 1 4 3 2  9 3 2 4 1 10 2 3 4 1 11 2 3 2 3 12 2 3 3 2 13 2 3 23 14 1 4 2 3 15 1 4 2 3

The data in Table 4 show that Composition B was effective as a tickrepellent for a period of approximately 10 minutes.

Example 5

A corresponding test to that carried out to generate the data of Table 4in Example 4 was conducted to assess the efficacy of DEET versusuntreated human skin, against the American dog tick. The DEETcomposition contained 10% DEET in absolute ethanol. The test conditionswere the same as those employed for evaluation of Composition B inExample 4. The arena was 4 cm in diameter (12.56 cm²) on theundersurface of the left forearm of the human male subjects. The resultsare shown in Table 5 below, wherein the time is set out in minutes afterthe application of ticks.

TABLE 5 Control 10% DEET Time L R Untreated (L) Treated (R)  0 min 3 2 23 ticks  1 4 1 2 3  2 4 1 3 2  3 4 1 4 1  4 4 1 3 2  5 4 1 4 1  6 3 2 32  7 3 2 — —  8 1 4 4 1  9 3 2 5 0 10 2 3 5 0 11 3 2 3 2 12 3 2 2 3 13 23 4 1 14 2 3 4 1 15 2 3 4 1

These data illustrate the efficacy of the 10% DEET composition.

Example 6

In this example, Composition D was evaluated versus untreated humanskin, against the American dog tick. The test arena was 4 cm in diameter(12.56 cm²) on the left inner thigh of the human male subject, justproximal to the kneecap. 100 μL of Composition D were applied to the tophalf of the arena. Ticks, males of the American dog tick, Dermacentervariabilis, were added to the arena two minutes after treatment withComposition D. As a control, the top and bottom halves of the arena werenot treated. The test apparatus was a petri plate top with the openingcovered with aluminum screening. The assay was conducted in light atroom temperature. The control assay was conducted first. The data areset out in Table 6 below, with times in minutes after application ofticks.

TABLE 6 Control Composition D Time T B Treated (T) Untreated (B)  0 min5 0 ticks  1 4 1 2 3  2 4 1 1 4  3 4 1 0 5  4 2 3 0 5  5 3 2 0 5  6 3 20 5  7 3 2 0 5  8 4 1 0 5  9 4 1 0 5  10 4 1 0 5  11 4 1 0 5  12 4 1 0 5 13 3 2 0 5  14 3 2 0 5  15 3 2 0 5  30 0 5  40 0 5  50 0 5  60 0 5  750 5  90 1 4  92 0 5  93 0 5  94 1 5  95 0 5  96 1 4  97 0 5  98 0 5  990 5 100 0 5 105 0 5 110 0 5 115 0 5 120 0 5 135 0 5 150 0 5

The data shown in Table 6 evidence superior efficacy of Composition D inrepelling ticks.

Example 7

In this example, Composition D was evaluated versus untreated humanskin, against the American dog tick. The test arena was 4 cm in diameter(12.56 cm²) on the left inner thigh of the human male subject, justproximal to the kneecap. 100 μL of Composition D were applied to theleft half of the arena. Ticks, unfed males/females of the American dogtick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena 30 seconds aftertreatment with Composition D. As a control, the right and left halves ofthe arena were not treated. The test apparatus was a petri plate topwith the opening covered with aluminum screening. The assay wasconducted in light at room temperature. The control assay was conductedfirst. The data are set out in Table 7 below, with times in minutesafter application of ticks.

TABLE 7 Control Composition D Time L R Treated (L) Untreated (R) Groupof 5 ticks  1 min 2 3 1 4  2 5 0 3 2  3 3 2 2 3  4 5 0 3 2  5 5 0 2 3  64 1 3 2  7 4 1 1 4  8 3 2 0 5  9 3 2 0 5 10 4 1 0 5 11 3 2 12 2 3 13 0 514 2 3 15 2 3 16 0 5 17 0 5 18 0 5 19 2 3 20 1 4 21 0 5 22 0 5 23 0 5 241 4 25 1 4 26 2 3 27 0 5 28 0 5 29 0 5 30 0 5

The data in Table 7 evidence the efficacy of a Composition D forrepellency of the American dog tick.

Example 8

In this example, Composition D was evaluated versus untreated humanskin, against the American dog tick. The test arena was 4 cm in diameter(12.56 cm²) on the right inner thigh of the human male subject, justproximal to the kneecap. 100 μL of Composition D were applied to theleft half of the arena. Ticks, unfed males/females of the American dogtick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena 30 seconds aftertreatment with Composition D. As a control, the right and left halves ofthe arena were not treated. The test apparatus was a petri plate topwith the opening covered with aluminum screening. The assay wasconducted in light at room temperature. The control assay was conductedfirst. The data are set out in Table 8 below, with times in minutesafter application of ticks.

TABLE 8 Control Composition D Time L R Treated (L) Untreated (R) Groupof 5 ticks  0 min 5 0  1 0 5 1 4  2 0 5 3 2  3 1 4 1 4  4 2 3 0 5  5 1 40 5  6 1 4 1 4  7 1 4  8 2 3 2 3  9 4 1 1 4 10 4 1 11 4 1 1 4 12 3 2 133 2 14 3 2 15 5 0 16 4 1 17 4 1 18 4 1 19 5 0 20 5 0

Example 9

In this example, Composition D was evaluated versus untreated humanskin, against the American dog tick. The test arena was 4 cm in diameter(12.56 cm²) on the left inner thigh of the human male subject, justproximal to the kneecap. 100 μL of Composition D were applied to theleft half of the arena. Ticks, unfed males/females of the American dogtick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena in less than twominutes after treatment with Composition D. As a control, the right andleft halves of the arena were not treated. The test apparatus was apetri plate top with the opening covered with aluminum screening. Theassay was conducted in darkness at room temperature. The control assaywas conducted first. The data are set out in Table 9 below, with timesin minutes after application of ticks.

TABLE 9 Control Composition D Time L R Treated (L) Untreated (R) Groupof 5 ticks  0 min 4 1  5 5 0 10 2 3 15 4 1 1*** 4 20 3 2 25 2 3 30 3 2 14 45 2 3 0 5 60 1 4 1 4 ***This tick appeared intoxicated by therepellent. At 30 minutes, the tick was still his back. At 30 minutes,the human subject used a blunt probe to place the tick right side up. At45 minutes, the tick had moved to the untreated skin. This intoxicationeffect resulting in immobilization may have occurred in earlierexperiments of Examples 4-8.

Example 10

In this example, Composition D was evaluated versus untreated humanskin, against the American dog tick. The test arena was 4 cm in diameter(12.56 cm²) on the right inner thigh of the human male subject, justproximal to the kneecap. 100 μL of Composition D were applied to theleft half of the arena. Ticks, unfed males/females of the American dogtick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena in less than twominutes after treatment with Composition D. As a control, the right andleft halves of the arena were not treated. The test apparatus was apetri plate top with the opening covered with aluminum screening. Theassay was conducted in darkness at room temperature. The control assaywas conducted first. The data are set out in Table 10 below, with timesin minutes after application of ticks.

TABLE 10 Control Composition D Time Rep L R Treated (L) Untreated (R)  0min 1 4 1 2 5 0 10 1 4 1 2 3 2 2 3 2 3 20 1 2 3 1 4 2 3 2 1 4 30 1 3 2 14 2 0 5 3 2 40 1 3 2 1 4 2 3 2 1 4 50 1 2 3 3 2 2 3 2 1 4 60 1 3 2 3 2 23 2 2 3

Example 11

In this example, the test arena was a 10 cm diameter plastic petri plate(78.5 cm² bottom surface area). The inside bottom of the plate wascovered with two half circles of white copy paper, separated by a 3 mmvoid at the centerline. Composition D was applied to the left half ofthe arena in the amount of 537 μL. Ticks, unfed males/females of theAmerican dog tick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena lessthan two minutes after application of composition D. The assay wasconducted in darkness at room temperature. The data are set forth inTable 11 below, with times given in minutes after application of ticks.It was not determined whether ticks were still alive at the 9 hours 43minutes reading.

TABLE 11 Composition D Time Treated (L) Untreated (R) 30 min 1 4 45 0 560 0 5 1 h:30 min 0 5 9 h:43 min 0 5

Example 12

In this example, the test arena was 4 cm in diameter (12.56 cm²) on theleft inner thigh of the human male subject, just proximal to thekneecap. As a control, the left and right halves of the arena wereuntreated. A 7% DEET composition was applied to the left half of thearena in the amount of 100 μL. Ticks, unfed males/females of theAmerican dog tick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena 1minute 45 seconds after application of the 7% DEET composition. Theassay was conducted in darkness at room temperature. The test apparatuswas a petri plate top with the opening covered with aluminum screening.The base for the 7% DEET composition was mostly alcohol; it was notapparent, whether the one minute 45 second waiting period was sufficientfor all of the alcohol to evaporate from the skin. The data are setforth in Table 12 below, with times given in minutes after applicationof ticks.

TABLE 12 Control 7% DEET Composition Time L R Treated (L) Untreated (R) 0 min 2 3 5 0  5 2 3 5 0 10 3 2 5 0 15 2 3 4 1 20 1 4 4 1 25 1 4 4 1 300 5 4 1*** 35 3 2 40 2 3 45 3 2 50 3 2 55 3 2 60 3 2 ***Only one tickmoved since the beginning of the experiment, such movement occurringbetween 10 and 15 minutes. The experiment was stopped at 30 minutes, andthat this time, all ticks appeared to be alive, i.e., they moved whentouched with a blunt probe.

Example 13

In this example, the test arena was a 10 cm diameter plastic petri plate(78.5 cm² bottom surface area). The inside bottom was covered with twohalf circles of white copy paper separated by a 3 mm void at thecenterline. As a control, the left and right halves of the arena wereuntreated. A 7% DEET composition was applied to the left half of thearena in the amount of 537 μL. Ticks, unfed males/females of theAmerican dog tick, Dermacenter variabilis, were added to the arena afterthe 7% DEET composition was no longer visible. The assay was conductedin darkness at room temperature. The data are set forth in Table 13below, with times given in minutes after application of ticks.

TABLE 13 7% DEET Composition Time Treated (L) Untreated (R) 1 min 2 3 101 4 20 1 4 30 1 4 40 2 3 50 2 3 60 1 4 1 h:10 min 1 4 1:20 1 4 2:00 2 33:30 2 3 4:30 2 3*** ***All ticks moved when touched with a blunt probeat four hours, 30 minutes.

Example 14

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate mosquito repellency ofcompositions of the present invention under natural field conditions.

All tests were conducted with wild populations on a nature trail atHowell Woods Environmental Education Center, Bentonville, N.C. Twospecific study locations were selected: a three meter wide trail througha heavily wooded area, (forest) and on a 1.2 m wide plank bridge,approximately 0.6 m above the surface of a heavily wooded pond.

Two repellent compositions were tested: a 2.4% soybean emulsionformulated with a sunscreen formulation having an SPF 20 factor(Composition F); and a 4% soybean methyl ester emulsion formulated with8% undecanone (Composition G).

The experimental protocol was based on the EPA Product Performance TestGuidelines OPPTS 810.3700 Insect Repellents for Human Skin and OutdoorPremises and PMRA requirements (Canada). For this experiment, the testarea was the surface of the arm just distal to the elbow to the mostdistal end of the hand. The following test applications were used: (a)control (no treatment); (b) 2.0 mL of Composition F; and (c) 1.5 mL ofComposition G. Composition F was a viscous cream. The application of therepellent to all subjects was conducted within a 10 minute time period.Landing counts in the field were conducted at 2, 3, 4 and 4.5 hoursafter application of the repellent, with the 4.5 hour assay conducted atdusk. The repellent volume to be applied was measured with a P5000Gilson Pippetmann, and applied directly to the subject's skin. Theapplied repellent was spread with a free hand to cover the entire areato be treated. Subjects were requested to remain in the reception areauntil about one hour prior to the first field test (the two-hourpost-treatment test). Each replicate was one person (control, one maleand one female; Composition F (2 mL), two males and one female;Composition G (1.5 mL), two males and one female), and the same personwas tested at each time (total number of human subjects=eight). Atapproximately 1 hour before the field test, all subjects traveled by carfor about 40 minutes to the parking lot of the visitor center at HowellWoods.

All subjects were dressed in their personal clothing of choice, withonly the treated or control area of their forearm, their hands, andtheir head exposed. Each subject were at least two shirts. The head ofeach subject was covered with hat and mosquito net, and the hand on thesubjects untreated arm was covered with a latex disposable glove. Theonly exposed skin for mosquito landings was the control or treatedsurface of the forearm and hand of one arm. The pants for both legs waseither taped tight against the ankles or inserted into the subjects'socks. Each subject was provided with a pencil and data form to recordlanding counts, and all test subjects then walked together about 0.25mile to the test location.

Two distinctly different test locations, forest and bridge, were used,as previously described. Each test location covered a linear area of the37 m. Two to three test measurements were made at a different site inthe same test location (forest or bridge). At each time (2-4.5 hourspost-treatment of the repellent). Changes in the site within a locationwere achieved by asking subjects to randomly exchange positions withother subjects. After each test time (2, 3 and 4 hours), the subjectsall returned together to the parking lot of the Howell Woods Visitor'sCenter. Between the four and 4.5 hours reading, the subjects remained inthe forest location. Subjects were asked to count the number of mosquitolandings over a given observation, which was initiated and ended byvoice communication from one of the control subjects. Landings weredefined as a mosquito on the subject's forearm or hand for at least twoseconds and/or after observing probing. The subjects were asked tophysically remove the mosquito from their arm with their free hand usingat least a brushing motion to prevent mosquito bites. The estimated skinsurface area for the control and treatments was 900 cm² each. Alllanding count measurements were taken simultaneously across reps at eachlocation, and at different sites within a location.

Results are set out below in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Mosquito landing counts on the surface of arm from just distalto the elbow to the most distal end of hand.^(a) Parameter ControlComposition F Composition G Time Location Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 3Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 3 2 hrs Forest 4.60/min 2.40 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 hrs Bridge8.40 19.20 0 0 0 0 0 0.33^(b) 2 hrs Bridge 9.67 16.67 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 hrsForest 7.33 9.00 0.33^(b) 0 0.33 0 0 0 3 hrs Bridge 12.67 22.00 0 0 1.000 0 0 3 hrs Bridge 11.33 16.00 0 0 0.67 0.33 0 0 4 hrs Forest 13.0015.00 0 1.00 1.33 0.33 0 0.33 4 hrs Bridge 5.33 11.00 0 0 2.33 0 0 1.334 hrs Bridge 17.33 15.00 0 0 0.67 0.67 0 1.00 4.5 hrs   Bridge 14.3321.00 0 0 0.33 0 0 0.33 4.5 hrs   Forest 18.67 7.67 0 1.33 0.33 0.33 00.33 ^(a)Time = elapsed time after application of repellent.^(b)Mosquito landing on fingernail.

The percent repellency based on the Table 14 results is set out in Table15 below.

TABLE 15 Percent repellency on the surface of arm from just distal tothe elbow to the most distal end of hand.^(a) Control Parameter meanComposition F Composition G Time Location landings/min Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 3Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 3 2 hrs Forest 3.50 100 100 100 100 100 100 2 hrs Bridge13.80 100 100 100 100 100 97.61^(b) 2 hrs Bridge 13.17 100 100 100 100100 100 3 hrs Forest 16.33 97.98^(b) 100 97.98 100 100 100 3 hrs Bridge17.34 100 100 94.23 100 100 100 3 hrs Bridge 13.66 100 100 95.10 97.58100 100 4 hrs Forest 14.00 100 92.86 90.50 97.64 100 97.64 4 hrs Bridge8.16 100 100 71.45 100 100 83.70 4 hrs Bridge 16.16 100 100 95.85 95.85100 93.81 4.5 hrs   Bridge 17.66 100 100 98.13 100 100 98.13 4.5 hrs  Forest 13.17 100 89.90 97.49 97.49 100 97.49 ^(a)Time = elapsed timeafter application of repellent. ^(b)Mosquito landing on fingernail.

In generating the data of Table 14 and Table 15, the assay time for theRep 1 control was typically three minutes, but some of the earliermeasurements were made at five minutes. Due to the high landing countsfor the Rep 2 control at two hours, this subject was provided an optionto stop their counts at one minute. The assay time for the treatedsubjects was the same as for the Rep 1 control. Table 14 shows thelanding counts per minute, for the controls and treatments. Accept forthe two-hour Forest assay for Reps 1 and 2 and one of the bridgemeasurements for Rep 1 at four hours, the landing counts exceeded sevenper minute, which was greater than the minimum activity level acceptablefor conducting data analyses.

Table 15 shows the mean control landings per minute for each test. Andpercent repellency for each Rep at each location and site within alocation for each of the compositions F and G. Percent repellency foreach Rep was calculated based on its control as follows: [(mean landingcounts per minute for control)-(landing counts per minute for Rep)/meanlanding counts per minute for control]×100%. The repellency data shownin Table 15 evidence high effectiveness of both Compositions F and G.The study was concluded at 4.5 hours because of lack of natural light,as needed to observe mosquito landings.

Mosquitoes were collected from the subjects at the end of the assays.The mosquitoes collected were identified as follows: 12 Ochlerotatusanlanticus/tormentus, 4 Psorophora ferox and 1 Psorophora columbiae.

Example 15

Testing was performed to demonstrate the different efficacy of a knowninsect repellent active. The test results are set out in Tables 16 and17 below.

TABLE 16 Substance 1 Mean Number (± one standard duration) and percentreduction of mosquitoes biting subjects Hours post- application(duration Mean number of Percent Treatment time) mosquitoes per 3.5 minreduction Control — 6.51 ± 5.48 — Herbal Spray 1 0.05 ± 0.21 99.3 2 0.55± 0.92 91.6 3 0.70 ± 1.18 89.2 4 2.46 ± 3.04 62.3

TABLE 17 Substance 2: Field Study A proprietary botanical repellentcontaining soybean (methyl ester) as the active Method: Field test usingmultiple subjects according to EPA guideline “Product Performance TestGuidelines, OPPTS 810.3700 Insect Repellents for Human Skin and OutdoorPremises” Draft, December 1999 Percent Repellency Mean Control Landingsper (% repellency) Time Location min Rep 1 Rep 2 Rep 3 2 h forest 3.5100 100 100 bridge 13.8 100 100 100 bridge 13.17 100 100 100 3 h forest16.33 97.98^(b) 100 97.98 bridge 17.34 100 100 94.23 bridge 13.66 100100 95.1 4 h forest 14 100 92.86 90.5 bridge 8.16 100 100 71.45 bridge16.16 100 100 95.85 4.5 h   bridge 17.66 100 100 98.13 forest 13.17 10089.9 97.49

Test results for Substance 1 demonstrate two hours efficacy, whereefficacy is defined as 95% reduction of mosquito bites. Substance 1 is acommercially available insect repellent, using soybean oil as theactive, commercially available from HOMS, LLC in Clayton, N.C. Substance2 is the same as Substance 1, but with the actives processed by thepresent method. Substance 2 shows an improvement in efficacy to morethan four hours.

Example 16

A study was carried out in southern Ontario, Canada, to compare a 30%DEET pest repellent formulation with a 30% undecanone formulationcontaining soy methyl ester (Composition HS). The purpose of this studywas to assess, under field conditions, the efficacy of Composition HS inprotecting human subjects for 8 hours post-application against variousmosquito species in southern Ontario. Protection was compared to thatprovided by Deep Woods OFF! Containing 30% DEET (Composition DT).

Materials and Methods

Site

The study was conducted in an area bordering a mixeddeciduous/coniferous woodlot (including maples, poplars, birch,tamarack, white cedar, and white pine as predominant species) withsecondary growth under the canopy in a rural area four km south of thesouthern city limit of Guelph, Ontario. Subjects stood in a goldenrodmeadow bordering the woodlot. Adjacent to the study area was a cattailmarsh (>four hectares) which was a source of Aedes, Anopheles andOchlerotatus mosquito species and the mosquito Coquillettidiaperturbans. Previous unpublished studies have shown the site to providesufficient numbers of adult mosquitoes for repellent evaluations.

The study took place on the evenings of Aug. 17, 18, and 22, 2005.

Repellency Evaluation

Six subjects and a supervisor were used in this evaluation. To adjustfor size differences among subjects, the surface area of the forearms(wrist to elbow) of each subject was measured and surface area wascalculated. The product was applied evenly to the forearms of eachsubject using latex gloves at a rate of 1.0 ml per 600 cm² of forearm.

During each day of the evaluation, four subjects applied one of theproducts 7.5 hours before the start of the 30 minute evaluation (twosubjects per product). Each night two subjects were non-treated andserved as controls. Biting counts were performed over a 30 minute periodand therefore the duration of protection that was evaluated was 8 hours.During the three-evening study both products were worn by each subjectat least once. The total number of replications equalled six.

Subjects dressed in identical green overalls, head nets and white cottongloves. The six subjects were randomly assigned to one of six positionson a grid located within the study site. All grid positions were atleast 10 m from each other. Biting counts were initiated just prior todusk (=20:10 h) to correspond with peak mosquito biting activity andconsisted of 6, 4.5-minute biting counts. During each biting count,subjects aspirated all mosquitoes landing and probing on two exposedforearms. Mosquitoes were aspirated into 150 ml clear plastic vials.Following the biting count, the subjects recorded the number ofmosquitoes captured. Subjects then rotated to the next position on thegrid within 36 seconds when the next 4.5-minute biting count began. Inthis manner, each subject was at each grid position once each night andthe duration of exposure was 30 minutes.

Ambient air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and barometricpressure within the study site were measured at the start and end of thebiting counts each evening. Biting counts were not conducted on eveningswhen air temperature was below 10° C. or when strong winds (>25 kph) orrain occurred because these conditions limit mosquito host-seekingactivity.

Data Analysis

Percent repellency provided by the product was calculated using theformula: ((mean number of mosquitoes biting non-treated subjects−numberbiting treated subjects)/mean number biting non-treated subjects)×100%.Mean percent repellency was calculated for the complete 30 minuteexposure period.

The mean number of mosquitoes biting non-treated subjects and treatedsubjects was compared using analysis of variance. Protection provided byboth products was analyzed using a Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Theanalyses were completed using Statistical Analysis Systems version 6.12(SAS Institute Inc., Cary, N.C.).

Results

The results are summarized in Table 18. Composition HS provided 70.1%mean reduction of mosquitoes landing and biting over the 30 minuteevaluation period. Composition DT provided 83.9% mean reduction ofmosquitoes landing and biting over the 30 minute evaluation period. Themean number of mosquitoes landing and biting treated subjects wasstatistically lower (P<0.05) than the mean number of mosquitoes landingand biting control subjects. The protection provided by each product wasnot statistically different (P>0.05).

The mean air temperature during the three evening study was 17.3° C.(range=12.8, 19.6), the mean relative humidity was 89.8% (range=82.5,94.5), the mean wind speed was 2.4 kph (range=0.0, 7.1), and the meanbarometric pressure was 985.0 mb (range=980.8, 990.5).

TABLE 18 Mean number^(1,2) (±one standard deviation) and percentreduction of mosquitoes biting human subjects³ during 30 minute mosquitobiting counts in field tests conducted near Guelph, Ontario, 2005.Duration (hours) Number of mosquitoes Percent Treatment post-applicationPer 4.5 minutes reduction⁴ Control — 3.64 ± 2.97 a — Composition HS 81.17 ± 1.26 b 70.1 Composition DT 8 0.67 ± 0.96 b 83.9 ¹Values followedby different letters in the same column are significantly different (P <0.05). ²Number of repetitions equaled five for Composition HS and sixfor Composition DT. One of the Composition HS replicates was droppedbecause one subject engaged in an activity after product applicationwhich resulted in loss of treatment due to excessive perspiration. ³Meanbiting pressure over three nights equaled 24.3 mosquitoes per 30minutes. ⁴Calculated from nightly repellency results, not from means incolumn 3.

Conclusions

Composition HS lotion mosquito repellent provided >70% protection fromblood-seeking mosquitoes for 8 hours post-application in a field testusing human subjects. The level of protection provided was statisticallysignificant. Although Composition DT provided greater protection, thedifference between products was not statistically significant.

Example 17 Deer Tick Test on Human Skin

The objective of this test was to evaluate the tick repellency of an 8%undecanone in soy methyl ester composition (Composition D) against thedeer tick, Ixodes scapularis.

All tests were conducted in the laboratory at ambient room temperature,humidity and light conditions (a combination of sun and incandescentlight). The ticks in the test arena prior to the application to thehuman subject and during the choice assay on human skin were coveredwith a dark cloth. The ticks were exposed to light only during the 5seconds needed to determine the tick distribution.

All tests on human skin were conducted with the same male subject usingthe left leg just above the knee. Tests were conducted with unfed femaleadults of the deer tick, Ixodes scapularis.

Test Arenas

Tests on Human Skin

The apparatus used for these tests was a plastic Petri plate top (4 cmin diameter, 6.28 square cm in area) with the opening covered withcommon aluminum window screening. The aluminum screening was fixed overthe opening of the plastic Petri plate top using a soldering ironapplied to the screening, which welded the screening to the plastic. Twolayers of cheese cloth cut to exactly fit into the plastic Petri platetop were positioned between the Petri dish top and the screen (confinedinside of the apparatus). The cloth under this configuration arrests thenormal escape behavior of ticks. Ticks in the apparatus are foundbetween the screen and cloth and between the cloth and plastic Petridish but never between the two layers of cloth. A small un-welded areaof the screen was retained until ticks were added to the apparatus.After ticks were added to the device, the un-welded area was sealed withcare given not to expose the live ticks to the high heat needed forsoldering. After the final sealing of the screen to the plastic plate,in all cases the ticks were observed actively walking inside of theapparatus. The test arena containing ticks was set-up approximately 5min prior to the beginning of the test. No test device was ever usedmore than once except for control and treatment tests that wereconducted consecutively. No device used for a treatment was re-used foranother treatment. No ticks used were ever re-used except when a controland treatment test was conducted on the same day.

The exact location (circle) marking the outside circumference where thedevice was to be applied to human skin was marked with an ink pin. Astraight line was marked on the skin across the circle so that the areaof the circle was divided into equal halves. For control experiments,neither half circle received an application. The screen-side of thedevice was applied to the skin surface at time 0 min. The screen sidewas in the down position and rested horizontal on the skin surface.

For treatments, the half circle nearest to the left side of the subjectwas covered with the repellent to be tested. The repellent to be tested(20 microliters) was applied to the half circle with a P200 (Gilson)pipetman. Small droplets were applied throughout the area to be treatedand then spread with the pipetman tip to evenly cover the surface areato be treated.

At a minimum of 2 h after treatment, the screen-side of the devicecontaining ticks was applied to the skin surface. The exact times ofobservations before treatment and 2 h after the application of therepellent is provided in the tables that follow along with the number ofticks tested per experiment. At each observation period, the number ofticks on the left (treated) and right (untreated) side was recorded andthe location of the ticks within the arena mapped (see Tables thatfollow). The tests were conducted in the dark (under 3-4 layers of adark cloth). This cloth was moved for about 5 sec to observe theposition of the ticks.

Test Rationale

The rationale of the test is that the ticks have a choice between twodifferent halves of the test arena. In the absence of the repellent, thedistribution of ticks on the two halves should be random. If thematerial to be tested is a repellent, more ticks would be found on theuntreated surface than the treated surface. The assay arena on thesubject's leg was held horizontal and the tests were conducted in thedark to eliminate any possible external cues, which might affect theposition of the tick in the arena. When the ticks were first positionedon the treated/untreated skin, to the extent possible the orientation ofthe apparatus was chosen that placed as many as possible of the ticks onthe treated surface.

Test Considerations

The test format used was a two-choice test. All tests were conductedwith the deer tick. It was noted that the two-choice test and theposition of ticks on the treated versus the untreated surface could beaffected by toxic effects of the repellent on tick motor and sensoryactivities at any time during the course of the assay; however, no toxiceffects were noted and all ticks were alive and mobile at the conclusionof each test. The ticks in this test were separated from the skinsurface by at least the thickness of the aluminum screen and sometimesby the screen and cheese cloth. The movement of the ticks on the screencould be felt by the subject. The ticks did not blood feed on the humanthrough the screen.

Test Conclusions

When 20 μL of Composition D was applied to human skin, the product washighly repellent to the deer tick unfed female adults for at least 2-2.5h after the application of the repellent.

Test Results

Summarizing the test procedure, the test area was 4 cm in diameter (6.28square cm) on the left leg just above knee of human (male) subject.Control test was conducted 30 min prior to the application of repellent.The treatment involved application of 20 microliters of Composition D tothe left half of the test area. Ticks (unfed female adults of the deertick, Ixodes scapularis) were added to test apparatus just prior to thecontrol test and same ticks/apparatus used for repellent tests. Theapparatus was a plastic Petri plate top with the opening covered withaluminum screening and inside between plate and screen containing twolayers of cheese cloth. The assay was conducted at room temperature withapparatus on the test subject skin and then covered with dark cloth.Ticks with apparatus were applied to skin 2 h:0 min after application ofthe repellent.

FIGS. 4 (untreated control) and 5 (Composition D in the form of a 20 μLspray) show the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith deer ticks (Test date: Oct. 12, 2005; 9:18 AM).

FIGS. 6 (untreated control) and 7 (Composition D in the form of a 20 μLspray) show the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith deer ticks (Test date: Oct. 13, 2005; 8:49 AM).

FIGS. 8 (untreated control) and 9 (Composition D in the form of a 20 μLspray) show the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith deer ticks (Test date: Oct. 13, 2005; 2:25 PM).

Example 18 American Dog Tick Test

The test procedure of Example 17 was repeated using unfed mixed sexes ofthe American dog tick, Dermacenter variabilis, and a 30% undecanone andsoy methyl ester formulation of Composition E.

FIG. 10 shows the results of a two-choice test on human skin, conductedwith American dog ticks to assess the repellency of Composition E in theform of a 20 μL spray (Test date: May 2, 2005).

While the invention has been described herein in reference to specificaspects, features and illustrative embodiments of the invention, it willbe appreciated that the utility of the invention is not thus limited,but rather extends to and encompasses numerous other variations,modifications and alternative embodiments, as will suggest themselves tothose of ordinary skill in the field of the present invention, based onthe disclosure herein. Correspondingly, the invention as hereinafterclaimed is intended to be broadly construed and interpreted, asincluding all such variations, modifications and alternativeembodiments, within its spirit and scope.

1.-80. (canceled)
 81. A pest-combating composition including at leastone transesterified or methanolyzed oleochemical having pest controlcharacter.
 82. The pest-combating composition of claim 81, comprisingone or more fatty acid alkyl esters having pest control character. 83.The pest-combating composition of claim 82, wherein said fatty acidalkyl esters comprise one or more fatty acid methyl esters.
 84. Thepest-combating composition of claim 81, comprising soy methyl ester. 85.The pest-combating composition of claim 81, comprising a mixture ofC₁₆-C₁₈ saturated and C₁₈ unsaturated methyl esters.
 86. Thepest-combating composition of claim 85, wherein the soy methyl estercomprises material identified by Chemical Abstracts Registry Number(CAS#) 67762-38-3.
 87. The pest-combating composition of claim 81,comprising a pest-repellent composition.
 88. The pest-combatingcomposition of claim 81, comprising a pesticidal composition.
 89. Thepest-combating composition of claim 88, comprising undecanone.
 90. Thepest-combating composition of claim 81, comprising a sunscreenformulation, a spray composition, a lotion composition, or a sunblockcomposition.
 91. An article or location, to which has been applied apest-combating composition according to claim
 81. 92. The article orlocation of claim 91, selected from among apparel, furniture, personalaccessories, plastic articles, cloth articles, camping equipment,automotive and vehicular interiors.
 93. A packaged pest controlcomposition, comprising a container holding a pest-combating compositionaccording to claim 81, further comprising undecanone.
 94. A method ofcombating pests, at a locus containing or susceptible to the presence ofsame, said method comprising applying to at least a portion of saidlocus a pest combating composition including soy methyl ester andundecanone.
 95. The method of claim 94, wherein said pests comprise apest selected from the group consisting of mosquitoes, ticks,cockroaches, thrips, flies, gnats, beetles and aphids.
 96. A DEET-freecomposition according to claim
 81. 97. The DEET-free composition ofclaim 96, further comprising undecanone.
 98. A pest-control composition,comprising soy methyl ester and undecanone.
 99. The pest-controlcomposition of claim 98, comprising at least two pesticidal agents. 100.The pest-control composition of claim 98, comprising at least twopest-repellent agents.